The VHS Strikes Back
Cage II (1994)
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Episode notes
Chris stumbled across the original Cage while looking for the worst martial arts movies ever made. So it was only a matter of time before he picked the sequel to cover.
The production of Cage II (1994) is a bit like the cinematic equivalent of an underdog pub brawl—scrappy, gritty, and utterly unapologetic. Directed by Lang Elliott, it’s the kind of low-budget, direct-to-video action flick that harks back to the days when you’d stumble across VHS tapes in a bargain bin and think, "What’s this? Lou Ferrigno punching people for 90 minutes? Sold!" Ferrigno, still riding the wave of his Incredible Hulk fame, teams up with fellow action stalwart Reb Brown, and together they bring all the testosterone-laden camaraderie and fight choreography you’d expect from a film like this. With the focus squarely on practical stunts and hand-to-hand combat, the production maximized what little budget they had by keeping things simple and throwing as many punches as possible.
The film itself is gloriously of its time—grimy underground fight scenes, a plot that’s practically wallpaper for the action, and the kind of over-the-top performances you can’t help but love. Ferrigno and Brown’s onscreen chemistry does most of the heavy lifting, which is fortunate because the budget didn’t allow for any flashy effects or polished cinematography. It’s all raw, muscle-bound energy, which, let’s be honest, is exactly what the audience signed up for. Cage II may not have been a critical darling, but it found its place among fans of 90s action schlock, and that’s no small feat.
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Plot Summary:
Billy Thomas, a brain-damaged Vietnam War veteran, is once again dragged into the brutal world of underground cage fighting. Kidnapped by a criminal syndicate and forced to fight for his life, Billy must rely on his strength and instincts to survive a series of deadly matches. Meanwhile, his loyal friend Scott Monroe sets out on a mission to rescue him, battling against the ruthless criminals who are exploiting Billy for their own gain. Together, the two friends must navigate a violent and dangerous world to find freedom.
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